The regular meeting of the Utah Transportation Commission, held in the Sevier County Courthouse Commission Chambers, 250 North Main, Richfield, was called to order at 9:02 a.m. by Commission Chairman Glen E. Brown. He welcomed those in attendance and introduced the Commission members attending. Commissioners Ted Lewis, Dan Eastman and Sheri Griffith were excused from the meeting.

Approval of MinutesCommissioner Clyde moved to approve the minutes of the August 12, 1998 Commission meeting held in Syracuse, Utah. It was seconded by Commissioner Bodily and approved unanimously.

Local Area PresentationChairman Brown turned the time over to Commissioner Larkin for the local area presentation and public comments. Commissioner Larkin had the elected officials and others attending introduce themselves. He then turned the time over to Dale Peterson, Region Four director, for the local area presentation.

Dale Peterson said the tour taken yesterday was very good. He then deferred to his project managers to talk about projects in the surrounding areas. Danny Washburn distributed a handout listing projects in Sevier, Piute and Wayne Counties, and commented on each project. Tom Christensen covered projects in Sanpete County and gave an explanation on each of those projects. There was additional discussion regarding a bridge/culvert east of Bicknell.

Public CommentsTex Olsen, Sevier County Commission Chairman spoke. He said their relationship with UDOT has been good. He mentioned the discussion about the counties receiving all of the roads of the department. He said they have been involved with various legislators in many meetings discussing this matter, and thinks that a realistic approach is developing. Their view is that the legislators and some elected officials may have an interest in the transfer of specific roads that may fit better into a county system. A good part of the problem which has developed is underfunding. Sevier County doesnít see anything that could be accomplished from a mass transfer of roads, except chaos for them. If the roads were transferred to the 29 counties, and the department still had some responsibilities, the legislature would not be able to fund all the needs, the same as they have not been able to fully fund UDOTís needs. Therefore, there would be another 29 underfunded departments along with UDOT.

Grant Mogle, Councilmember from Centerfield Town commented on the road improvement from Centerfield to Gunnison. They hope that project goes ahead. There have been a high number of accidents on that road. Itís the only road that runs north and south. There is no secondary road to carry farm machinery. And where there are no passing lanes, it has really been a bottleneck. They have received many complaints from the citizens, and would like an extra lane added by Walker Well. Ross Christensen responded that he knows they are very concerned about it, and itís a serious problem. They are going to try to put in a couple of turn lanes at Cox Road, and by Walker Well.

Mayor Connie Best of Lynndyl spoke. She said they are a small community about 8 miles north of the IPSC. There is a lot of truck traffic and they have a turn that they are quite concerned about where several accidents have occurred. On Highway 6, they would like to see a turning lane added, to possibly have the shoulder widened, and have the speed limit reduced. The only store in Lynndyl is across Highway 6, and there are two kids in wheelchairs and other kids on bicycles that cross there. Itís really a hazard. Mayor Best said they want to find out if there are any considerations for their area. With the grain company that is going to be taking care of the poultry/egg plant that is coming into Delta, their feed mill is going to be in Lynndyl and the trucks are going to go from the railroad up to the highway and down to Brush-Wellman crossing. Truck traffic will increase, and there is already coal and gravel trucks going back and forth all the time. Several people have been rear ended on that turn into Lynndyl. Commissioner Larkin said that Scott Munson, Cedar City District Engineer, will look into it.

Representative Brad Johnson stated that in regards to the Centerfield situation, he had some constituents ask him if it would be possible to look at a bypass road. Itís a tremendously dangerous area. Also, Highway 10 from Fremont Junction to the Sevier line needs to be looked at. That is very dangerous problem over there too. Representative Johnson also talked about Salinaís Main Street.

Representative Tom Hatch reiterated some of the things that Rep. Johnson said. His concern is the draft STIP that has been out for comments. In looking through the proposed transportation plan for the next five years, if the Forest Highway program, the Federal Aid secondary roads, and bridge replacement projects are taken out of Region Four, there is hardly any money at all being spent in this part of the state. There are very few state construction dollars being spent in this region in the next five years. He realizes the constraints and the demands of transportation all over the state of Utah. Rep. Hatch also mentioned concerns about SR 20, Kanab Cityís interest in a stoplight, and various other projects already talked about. He hopes the Commission will take a strong look at these projects.

Newell Hales, Salina City Council, thanked the Commission for the spot improvements in Salina. Salina City is trying to upgrade their water and sewer system to alleviate the drainage problem they have on Main and State Streets. Salina has hired Sunrise Engineers to do a drainage study, which is now completed. They anticipate being able to partnership with UDOT to move this project forward to help with the truck traffic. Truck traffic is expected to increase by 25%, and is taxing the asphalt now. They would like to highly recommend that concrete be put in on the project. Councilmember Hales also said they would like to do what they can to help widen the area. The citizens do not want to give up their parking, they would rather give up frontage on their property to keep the parking. And, they definitely have to have a turning lane on north State Street.

Bevan Wilson, Emery County Commission discussed the jurisdictional transfer issue. He said that it is not a good proposal. There are too many impacts that would be passed on to the local jurisdictions. They have prepared a document identifying several major concerns Emery County has on the proposal. Perhaps UDOT could go from county to county and meet with the elected officials within those counties to see if there are roads that could be transferred though an interlocal agreement, or MOUís. They are doing that in Emery County, and have met with Kleston Laws of UDOTís Price District. There are roads in Emery County that they feel they, as a county, can take over and make a transfer there through an MOU, without going through this mass proposal. They donít support the mass transfer of roads to cities and counties that has been out for discussion. Commissioner Wilson also briefly talked about the transport of coal across highway 10 though Emery County and into Carbon County. Production is anticipated to go up 50%. Commissioner Wilson also mentioned the Centennial Highway Funds budget monies and the $5 million budgeted for Highway 10 to put in passing lanes from Price to Interstate 70. With additional fatalities that have occurred where those passing lanes are proposed, they are in dire need if funds to make these projects happen, and to get some passing lanes in there. And, in regards to the Legacy Highway project, Commissioner Wilson said if that project has been put on hold as he has heard, he urged that some of these other projects in rural Utah could be stepped up on the agenda a bit and receive some early funding.

Director Warne responded to the comments made regarding the jurisdictional transfer issue. He said the department has been working with the Interim Committee of the Legislature, and there is currently a proposal that has been advanced by the counties and cities, largely along the Wasatch Front, that would transfer a certain number of roads to those entities, and also do some things with the B & C Road Fund and the Transportation Fund. In talking to elected officials throughout the state, particularly rural parts of the state, there are some who have said they donít have any roads, itís not a fight theyíre in, and they are not worrying about it. Director Warne cautioned that as fire walls are built around the Wasatch Front communities and counties, that is detrimental to rural Utah. He suggested that the elected officials in the rural part of the state, even if they donít have roads involved in the discussion, should have a stake in the discussions. Director Warne then commented on the Centennial Fund and the STIP. He said one of the ways that the Centennial Fund was established to be funded is that the general fund money goes into it, as does the increase in the gas tax and the increases in the registration fees on automobiles. Also, all of the increase in the STIP that is received from Congress goes into the Centennial Fund, so the STIP stays very flat. Thatís one of the dynamics of the Centennial Fund that the department has to deal with in trying to fund projects. That growth was what allowed the department to do additional projects around the state, and now that money is going into the Centennial Fund.

Kaylynn Barton spoke to the Commission. She said she is a resident of Washington County and lives in an area called Winchester Hills, approximately 6 miles north of St. George on Highway 18. She is here today about an issue they feel is very urgent and needs consideration as soon as possible. Highway 18 has become extremely busy and fast moving. There are about 240 homes in the area, and a school has been built in Diamond Valley. Lots of parents are taking their children to and from Diamond Valley. People are also coming from Enterprise, Central, Pine Valley and Veyo daily. Ms. Barton displayed some charts and shared results of a traffic count she took. She also said that in trying to turn into Winchester, cars can hardly go around, and they have to make a complete stop on the highway. Itís extremely dangerous and they would like the department to look at the situation before someone is killed there.

Scott Munson said he has visited with Ms. Barton over the phone several times, and in previous discussions he indicated that the department had some betterment funds that could be used in that area. A project could possible be worked out there this year to improve the situation. Mr. Munson agreed that with the school that was built, there is more traffic going to Veyo and coming back and forth from Winchester Hills, and recognizes that is more of a problem and should be addressed. Mr. Munson said he hopes to be able to arrange for funding through the betterment program, but theyíre looking to see what the extent of the funding and the extent of the project will be. If itís going to be more than $40,000, then they may need to ask for some other appropriation. Ms. Barton added that the LDS church has bought land there for a stake center, which will increase the amount of traffic there. Commissioner Larkin responded that is good to know for planning purposes.

Kenneth Knudsen addressed the Commission. He said he is a property owner just west of the north interchange in Cedar City, and isnít here to debate the pros and cons of the decision the Commission is going to make, but to express concern about decision process. Mr. Knudsen shared some history regarding the north interchange and some decisions that were made previously. He stated that the 1994 decision wasnít funded, but the determination was made on how the north interchange was going to be redesigned. As a result of time, pressure, and circumstances, a footprint was provided upon which the city and the public relied. The city adopted a general plan that addressed a whole set of infrastructure in terms of major arteries to the west and surrounding this interchange. One particular project involved acquiring 25 various parcels of property to the west of the interchange and dedicating to the city a major 100 foot road going west that would handle 20,000 cars a day, a very significant part of Cedar Cityís general plan. He said Cedar City has spent a lot of money, as have private investors, trying to develop this concept in the corridor. With the funding issues that have arrived over the past four years, the interchange didnít get funded. Instead, itís been pushed off and pushed off. The concern of all rural counties is that they get ignored. Cedar City is in a very gun shy position in that they are certain that if they do anything that in any way keeps the interchange from being built, they will lose an interchange. Had the interchange been funded, the funding issue wouldnít be in scrutiny because, at the time, the alternatives were cost equivalent. Today, the alternatives are no longer cost equivalent, so it has been considered on an economic basis to relocate this interchange. But, the concern is how that process allowed that decision to be altered over time by putting the decision in the public domain. This issue was in the hearing process at least nine years ago, in 1994, and then again this year. Mr. Knudsen continued discussing his concerns about the process. He said there is something about the process that makes the entities that the department is trying to deal with, uncomfortable putting their input in the process. He said heís afraid heís going to short circuit what should have been a good decision process, a good public input tool. Commissioner Larkin turned the time back over to Chairman Brown for the rest of the meeting.

Chairman Brown called a short break.

Public Lands Highway Discretionary ProgramSteve Brink, US Forest Service in Ogden, gave the Commission a copy of the seven year forest highway program. He updated the Commission on the Wolf Creek project and the funding. He said the 15 mile paving piece from FY 98 was not awarded until early August because of TEA-21, so essentially, a construction season was lost. In the 1999 STIP, there is no change, and itís dependent on a $6 million discretionary request for Wolf Creek. They are hoping that will work. Mr. Brink also talked about Trappers Loop Road, and discussed three ways it could be funded. Also, they are trying to have a tri-agency meeting in early November, and then discuss a more firm program with the Commission at the November Commission meeting. Commissioner Clyde said he doesnít think thereís any other choice but to proceed this way because there are still a lot of unknowns. He appreciates the presentation that has been made in giving the Commission some scope of what the problems are. There was continued discussion on Trappers Loop and funding, geotech work in the Wolf Creek area, and also the land exchange, which has not yet occurred.

Mr. Brink stated he wanted to share some other good news and said that UDOT has been favorable towards applying for discretionary funds for the Forest Service on 7 Mile Gooseberry once that comes about, so maybe they can get some match of discretionary funds to make the project go quicker. Also, San Juan County is willing to do the widening and grading on Monticello Newspaper Rock and the first segment of the LaSalle Loop, at approximately $1 million each to get those two projects rolling. And, the city of Monticello is willing to move the utilities. In addition, they have had excellent cooperation with the engineering affiliate of the National Guard, which has done work on Highway 153, and he anticipates more work from them in the future which, over a six year period, will save several million dollars.

Mr. Brink concluded with additional comments on the 7 Mile Gooseberry Road. They hope it will be a three piece project to get the 30 miles done. The first project is on the Salina side. He thinks theyíll have about $4.5 million of Forest Highway funds in 2000, if everything works out right on Wolf Creek. Then, heís hopeful they can get a request and approval for another $4.5 million in discretionary to put with that for a total of $9 million for the first project. Commissioner Clyde pointed out that the first four miles of the road from the intersection at I-70 has some asphalt there and good structural section underneath it, so it has some useful life. Perhaps thereís a way to capture that useful life, rather than overlaying it right away, so work can continue further up the hill. Mr. Brink commented that the counties are supportive of phase two construction, getting the widening done, getting the aggregate on, and then perhaps paving as a separate project at a later date in order to get more of the road reconstructed and get good gravel surface on it sooner rather than later. Twin Ponds, up over the top, has got surfacing on it so it is the lowest priority. Itís serving hunter traffic, etc. rather well. On the 7 Mile side by Johnsonís Reservoir, which has a lot of muck, there is a realignment section on that side up the hill on the east side of the creek. That may be a good option for a National Guard type of project. They do excellent work on mountainous terrain.

Agricultural Access Road Funding RequestDoug Carriger of Beaver County stated that last year, the Commission granted Beaver County $1 million from the growth highway impact grant legislation. This past legislative session, that legislation was extended for two more years, which would give the Commission the ability to grant up to $1 million for each of the next two years. One thing that is unique about this legislation is that the local match is 60%, with UDOT providing 40% of the construction costs. Most people contribute less than 50%. Mr. Carriger mentioned that with the $1 million that they did receive last year, they spent that amount plus a little more on state highways to improve safety and turn lanes, etc. near Milford at the feed mill, and at the Highway 130 intersection at Minersville. They would like the Commission to consider up to $1 million for this year, and perhaps have the UDOT staff consider during the next month what funding might be available. They would then come back to the next meeting for a decision based on revenues that might be available statewide.

Representative Tom Hatch said that those who have seen the work that has taken place realize that the state is getting a lot of bang for their buck on this program. The administrative costs, efficiencies, and construction have been exemplified in the projects that have taken place. Representative Hatch said he realizes that dollars are very short, but recommends, as Mr. Carriger indicated, that the Commission take it under advisement for a month and see if there are any funds available and make a decision at the next meeting. He thanked the Commission for their efforts and consideration and said itís a worthwhile project. Chairman Brown asked if the Commission is going to see this legislation again next year. Representative Hatch said it has a sunset provision for the year 2000. There was additional discussion regarding the legislation.

Chairman Brown said, anticipating that the Commission was going to consider this issue today, he asked that Director Warne and Clint Topham to take a look at what the possibilities might be and give the Commission some indication of what might be considered. Director Warne replied that there are about 40 projects identified as centennial projects, and they have put together a tentative plan for those projects. Obviously, a lionís share of the money right now in centennial funds is going to I-15. That was the plan as it was established. And, in going through and looking at projects, historically, if there is a need for money, projects in that area would be looked at as candidates. Unfortunately, there are some candidates but every project looked at had a reason why they were there and the department hates to nick those projects. Thatís what renders this decision particularly difficult. Director Warne then mentioned some of the possible projects. He said the department will have to go back this next month and look at other projects in the centennial fund, see what options are there, then come back with a recommendation.

Commissioner Larkin remarked that from his perspective, itís totally unfair to look at this as a Region 4 project where the money has to come out of Region 4. Itís a state bill that affects the state of Utah. Commissioner Clyde said he concurs with Commissioner Larkin. The department has to look further than Region 4. Chairman Brown reemphasized the difficulty in making a 10 year projection. And what compounds decisions is that the Commission was asked to give a spending plan based on the resources given. And, where this plan was programmed over 10 years, and with the legislation for the grant that was for just one year, the Commission stepped up and did what they were asked to do. The problem now is that Beaver County is coming back and saying they now want to extend this, with that 10 year window there. Not to say that the request isnít meritorious, but itís difficult. There was not enough money in many of the projects on that plan to do what was needed. But a dollar commitment was made to do what could be done. Now, the Commission has to go back and try to accommodate this request. Somebody is not going to like where the department is going to have to nick. Nobody is going to volunteer. Chairman Brown reiterated that the Commission would like the staff to bring back a recommendation for consideration.

ResolutionProposed Truck Climbing Lane North of Glendale, to Long Valley Junction on SR 89Commissioner Clyde commented that he attended the last hearing and thought the attitude of the hearing is well reflected in the notes. Those attending did voice support for the improvement. Danny Washburn made note of one small change in the description of the proposed action. He said a painted median is not being provided. Rather, turning and acceleration lanes are being provided. Therefore, take out painted median and put in provides turning and acceleration lanes.

Comissioner Clyde moved to approve the resolution with the change noted. It was seconded by Commissioner Larkin and approved unanimously.

Proposed Property Acquisitions for US-89 Expansion ProjectBob Fox gave an overview of the actions the Commission has taken in the past nine months. He said the Commission has agreed to purchase a total of 30 properties, of which 16 have been purchased. The total amount allocated and settled is $4.1 million. It is anticipated there will probably be about $4 million more for a total of over $8 million that has been committed to. Today, Mr. Fox said he has come with some recommendations from Region 1 for purchasing additional properties at an estimated cost of $3 million. In looking carefully at the recommendations and the explanations, some of them would be nice to purchase. The properties are listed in a priority from one to ten. Mr. Fox recommended the first two properties, and the property listed as the bare ground development for approval. He said the Region may not be real happy with this recommendation, but the submitted costs for those three properties is $800,000. What that means is that $9 million of the $10 million bond issue has been allocated. The issue is that within the next five years it is estimated that there will only be a total of $15 million in the entire account. The Commission can go ahead and allocate the rest of it, adding up to $12 million, but there wonít be much flexibility in the next few years. Director Warne pointed out the legislation that established this particular fund is not a US-89 specific thing. So, it is the departmentís recommendation to be a little cautious here.

Commissioner Larkin moved to approve the acquisition of the medical hardships A and B, which is Aaron and Combe, and the bare ground development, which is Miskin, for a total of approximately $800,000. It was seconded by Commissioner Clyde and approved unanimously.

Enhancement Committee SelectionRichard Manser handed out a cover sheet of names, and resumes of those outside the department, for recommended participation on the Enhancement Committee. He said this follows the discussion with John Quick from the July Commission meeting. The department is going to take a portion of the enhancements money and let an advisory committee give the Commission recommendations on how to spend that money with the understanding that they would emphasize three areas ó pedestrian, bicycle, and landscaping ó but that all other projects would still remain eligible. Mr. Manser explained that with the first five people recommended, theyíve tried to find a person who represents each of those areas. He then gave a brief description of those recommended.

Chairman Brown said he assumes that the Commission needs to pass a motion, and asked if a Commissioner needed to be designated today. Mr. Manser said he would appreciate a motion today, and the sooner the better on the designation of a Commissioner Then they could get started with the group and convene a meeting in October. Theyíre a little behind schedule as it is.

Commissioner Clyde moved that the Commission take the recommendations of the department and establish a membership of this committee, as noted on the first page. It was seconded by Commissioner Larkin and passed unanimously.

Scenic BywaysLinda Toy requested that this item be added to the agenda. She explained that back in July, the department was granted some FY 98 funds for scenic byways. Those applications were submitted previously primarily by the Travel Council, the scenic byway committee. But because the department doesnít have a lot of familiarity with administering those programs, it was an oversight that these projects needed to be on the STIP in order for the funds to be spent. The funds have to be obligated by the end of this fiscal year, which is September 30th. Ms. Toy referred to a sheet that she handed out to the Commission showing how the $616,000 is divided, primarily on Nebo Loop which is not a state highway but a forest highway. As the sponsoring agency, the department is still figuring out exactly who is going to be providing the local match. Nevertheless, the items need to be put on the STIP so the funds can be obligated. Additional discussion focused on the list, the funds, and state and national designated byways.

Commissioner Larkin moved to approve the expenditure of funds as explained. It was seconded by Commissioner Bodily and passed unanimously.

Informational ItemsCentennial Highway UpdateLinda Toy explained that the Centennial Fund is fully programmed, but the department continues to receive a number of requests for centennial funds for various projects, including one which came before the Commission about a month ago regarding the 11400 South interchange. Because the FHWA found there would be significant environmental impact in that area, it would require a full blown EIS. The estimated cost to do an EIS is about $1 million. The cities indicated they want the state to partner with them to pay for the environmental documents. They would contribute $20 million toward the cost through their redevelopment agency funds, but the $20 million or so will not cover the cost of the project. Ms. Toy said she wanted to bring up to the Commission that the cities want the department to pay for the EIS and do the work on it. At the same time, the department has also received other requests. In Utah County, Provo City is anxious to complete the University Parkway project, but the funds are not available until the year 2001. They want to move those funds forward. Thereís also been ideas about University Avenue and trading some money around in there. So, the department is receiving a lot of requests to move funds around and to add new projects to the program. There needs to be some discussion on the direction that the Commission is going and the action that has already been taken.

Does the department stick with the program thatís been outlined or consider making some changes in the program?

Commissioner Larkin stated that he looks at the centennial program like any other kind of planning document. A planning document is wonderful, but itís subject to change. And, if there are reasons to change it, then that needs to be looked at. It should not be cast in stone and everything pushed to the side because of what was decided in 1996, or whenever it was. Chairman Brown concurred with the fact that there needs to be flexibility. But, the Commission was directed to have a very broad plan and touch the needs of the whole state. If something is indeed deleted, there better be some very good justification because there is somebody who is proceeding ahead anticipating and fully expecting a project. Commissioner Clyde commented that he has found that no matter where the line is drawn, there are always groups that want more, and they are going to pursue the Commission to the very end. He said each Commissioner is considering some of these elements every time they talk to somebody. Itís important to recognize that there should be a good reason if changes are made. Commissioner Bodily also concurred with the other Commissioners and their comments. He said the list extends into the future more than the project listing is ordinarily extended, and that may leave it a little more vulnerable to change because a projection canít be made that far out, with growth patterns, etc. That was a consensus made by the legislature in conjunction with UDOT, and unless there is some very overpowering reason to change it, there is an obligation to stay with the listing, at least for the time being.

Informational ItemsNext Transportation Commission MeetingsThe next meeting of the Utah Transportation Commission will be held on October 22, 1998, 9:00 a.m., at the Rampton Complex in the main conference room.

Commissioner Larkin requested that the November meeting in Hurricane be moved from November 19th to November 20th. The rest of the Commission agreed to the change.

The following dates and locations have been scheduled:

November 20, 1998 - Hurricane

December 11, 1998 - Salt Lake City

The meeting adjourned at 11:54 a.m.

The following Commissioners, staff members and others were in attendance: